ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Note: The Times does not ordinarily endorse in the contest for governor because this race attracts sufficient attention to enable voters to reach informed decisions, and it chooses not to endorse in every political race but to endorse in partisan elections selectively.

State Offices

Lt. Governor: Leo McCarthy (D)

A hard-working problem solver. Quiet, persistent, decent and level-headed.

Attorney General: Arlo Smith (D)

A career prosecutor--non-ideological, professional. His opponent is a former congressman whose conservative political views may get in the way of an evenhanded approach to this important job.

State Treasurer: Kathleen Brown (D)

Her opponent, Tom Hayes, has done a good job as the incumbent treasurer, but Brown offers a vision of the office that’s both imaginative and responsible.

Secretary of State: March Fong Eu (D)

A knowledgeable career public servant with a very capable staff.

Controller: Gray Davis (D)

Well-qualified to continue to watchdog the state’s $55.7 billion budget.

Insurance Commissioner: Wes Bannister (R)

Independent insurance agent Bannister, who has agreed to put his agency into a blind trust if elected, offers impressive knowledge of the industry and ability to critically evaluate its weaknesses.

State Board of Equalization 2: Brad Sherman (D)

Brad Sherman, a tax lawyer and a certified public accountant, would bring a high level of professionalism, vigor and integrity to the board.

State Board of Equalization 4: No endorsement

The race for this seat is between Paul Carpenter, a man who cannot serve because he is a convicted felon, and Joseph H. Adams, who does not have the broader background needed to exercise the duties effectively.

U.S. Congress

30th District.: Reuben Franco (R-Monterey Park)

Young, aggressive challenger in a district represented by a low-energy incumbent.

36th District: George E. Brown Jr.(D-Colton)

Top science and technology booster, important at this critical juncture; in a stiff challenge.

Propositions

124--YES: Hospital Districts, Constitutional Amendment

Community-owned hospitals, especially in rural areas, need freedom to use innovative and economical ways to broaden their services. Would authorize local hospital districts to acquire stock--currently prohibited by the state Constitution--in corporations engaging in health-care-related businesses.

125--YES: Rail Transit Funding, Constitutional Amendment

Right now using state gasoline tax revenues to buy commuter rail cars and equipment is constitutionally prohibited. This unnecessary encumbrance would be lifted.

126--NO: Alcoholic Beverages Tax, Constitutional Amendment

This poison pill to the “Nickel a drink” proposition (134) would hike liquor taxes somewhat, but the taxes collected would simply be dumped into the general fund, and two clauses designed to neutralize 134 and other liquor taxes are offensive.

127--YES: Earthquake Property Tax Exclusion, Constitutional Amendment

Would exclude existing buildings that are retrofitted with earthquake improvements from property tax increases. A sensible change in the law.

128--NO: Environment, Public Health Initiative (Big Green)

This grab bag of a ballot measure would in some areas aim to do a lot and in others not do very much. It proposes, among other things, to ban pesticides; require the state to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by as much as 40% by the year 2010; ban clear-cutting of ancient redwood forests; accelerate the timetable for eliminating use of ozone-depleting chemicals; write into state law an existing ban on new offshore oil drilling in state waters; tax oil companies to pay for future offshore oil spills; curb discharge of toxic waste into bay and coastal waters; create the post of environmental advocate to enforce environmental laws. It all sounds pretty good, but on closer examination it duplicates a lot of what’s being done and adds some things that might be more symbolic than real. More wish list than effective environmental policy.

129--NO: Drug Enforcement, Prevention, Treatment, Prison Initiative

This is a political leftover from the June primary--a relic of Atty. Gen. John Van de Kamp’s unsuccessful run for governor. Proposition 115, passed in June, covers a lot of this. What’s not covered, by and large, is better handled in Proposition 133 or better left alone.

130--YES: Forest Acquisition Initiative (Forests Forever)

By far the best environmental proposition on the ballot. Would ban clear-cutting in all forests; authorize a $742-million bond issue for the purchase of redwood forests; prohibit timber operators from harvesting more trees than could be grown on their land in any 10-year period; restrict burning of debris from logging; restrict export of California logs; reconstitute the state Board of Forestry and require appointment of environmentalists. Go for it.

131--YES: Term Limits, Ethics, Campaign Financing Initiative

This is the thinking person’s term-limit measure. It doesn’t have the cannibalistic appeal of 140, but it might very well enhance the quality of state government and electoral politics. Would limit terms to 12 years for state Senate, Assembly and State Board of Equalization members, eight years for governor and other statewide officers; officeholders reaching the limits could run again for the same seat after sitting out at least one term. Would set up partial public financing of campaigns by creating a taxpayer-supported fund that would provide $3 for every $1 a candidate collected from contributors residing in the candidate’s district; would ban off-year fund-raising and place limits on contributions and expenditures; a new special prosecutor’s office would pursue political corruption. A good deal all around.

132--NO: Marine Resources Initiative

Do we need to graft onto the state Constitution a ban on gill and trammel nets? Good cause, wrong remedy; go back to the state Legislature.

133--YES: Drug Enforcement and Prevention Initiative

Would, through an increase in the sales tax by 1/2 cent, put badly needed money where it desperately needs to go. Creates a $7.5-billion fund for drug enforcement, treatment and education programs over over a four-year period. Also would prohibit the early release of criminals convicted twice of murder, manslaughter, rape or drug offenses. Thinking person’s crime measure.

134--NO: Alcohol Surtax Initiative (Nickel-a-Drink)

The stiff rise in alcohol taxes that’s proposed--from $2 to $8.40 on a gallon of hard liquor--would go to an earmarked array of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs and law enforcement. Seems like a good idea, but it freezes parts of the state budget in an inflexible way and dumps a new state tax on top of federal alcohol taxes that are due to go up again. To be avoided.

135--NO: Pesticide Regulation Initiative

The agribusiness massive counterattack on Big Green. Seeks to invalidate the pesticide provisions of Proposition 128 and adds nothing to the assault on pesticides except dumping new spending requirements on taxpayers. A hoax.

136--NO: State and Local Taxation Initiative

A mess that would allow a minority to muck up effective government. It would, among other things, require a favorable vote by two-thirds of the electorate (instead of a simple majority, as currently required) to pass a special local tax, or a tax increase by initiative, and contains a “ballot virus” provision that could nullify votes on some other measures on the ballot. Would require cities with charters, such as Los Angeles, to get a majority vote on any new general tax increases. All those who believe in rule by majority, vote no.

137--NO: Initiative and Referendum Process Initiative

Would require that any proposal, no matter how technical or minor, to revise the initiative or referendum process be submitted to the voters for their approval. Unnecessary, absurd.

138--NO: Forestry Programs, Timber Harvesting Practices Initiative

The counter to tough, excellent 130: Proposes a ban on clear-cutting in ancient redwood forests that’s weak and would restrict state purchase of redwood forests by requiring approval of the landowner. Forget it.

139--NO: Prison Inmate Labor Tax Credit

Would repeal the constitutional prohibition against use of convict labor by private employers and authorize businesses to contract with state prison and county jail administrators for an inmate work force. Sounds good, but a million pitfalls, and it’s bad penology.

140--NO: Term Limits, Legislators’ Retirement, Legislators’ Operating Costs

Paradoxically supported by many longtime incumbents, this is the neutron-bomb approach to political reform. Would impose unreasonable lifetime term limits for legislators and most other state-elected officials (for instance, Assembly members could serve only six years, state Senators eight). The state-run retirement system for legislators would be eliminated, and the Legislature’s operating budget would be cut by about 38%. Competes with the better term-limit measure 131.

141--YES: Toxic Chemicals Discharge. Public Agencies.

Would extend to most government agencies the provisions of Proposition 65, the 1986 anti-toxics initiative that applies to businesses. And they would be required to issue a warning if they expose the public to such chemicals. Close a bad loophole.

142--YES: Veterans’ Bond Act of 1990

Would authorize a self-financing $400 million bond issue to finance the Cal-Vet program of home and farm purchases by veterans. Good cause.

143--YES: Higher Education Facilities Bond Act of November 1990

$450 million for public colleges and universities to use to construct new buildings on existing campuses and renovate buildings and equipment. Arrest the decline.

144--NO: New Prison Construction Bond Act of 1990-B

Would allow the state to borrow $450 million to continue expansion and renovation of the state prison system. There’s a lot of state prison funding already in the pipeline. Enough for now.

145--YES: California Housing Bond Act of 1990

Would authorize $315 million in bonds to provide first-time home buyers with low-interest loans, and housing assistance for elderly tenants, poor families, homeless men and women and farm-workers. Thousands of Californians would benefit.

146--YES: School Facilities Bond Act of 1990

$800 million in additional elementary and secondary classrooms, and renovation, at stake here; average class size at stake, too. Good one.

147--YES: County Correctional and Juvenile Facility Bond Act of 1990

$225 million to construct, remodel and replace county jails and juvenile facilities in counties that meet certain planning standards and are prepared to pick up 25% of the costs. Much needed.

148--YES: Water Resources Bond Act of 1990

$380 million for various water projects including water storage, drought assistance projects, an international waste-water treatment plant and flood control (it would fund one such notable project in Orange County). Unavoidable and overdue.

149--YES: California Park, Recreation and Wildlife Enhancement Act of 1990

$437 million in bonds to acquire, develop and restore parks, beaches and other recreational areas throughout the state; would also pay for building or improving forest fire stations, museums and zoos. A big space-maker--and improver.

150--YES: County Courthouse Facility Capital Expenditure Bond Act of 1990

$200 million in bonds to provide money for construction and remodeling of county courthouse facilities. An anti-court-gridlock measure.

151--YES: Child Care Facilities Financing Act of 1990

$30-million bond issue to build or refurbish child-care facilities, provide loans to state and local government agencies and to nonsectarian organizations that provide child care; would set up a Child Care Facilities Authority. A good start.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

County Offices

County Assessor: Kenneth P. Hahn

Hahn has the competence, experience and temperament to reinvigorate an agency troubled by administrative inefficiency and low morale.

Santa Monica Municipal Court Office No. 3:

David B. Finkel

David Finkel’s record of community service and his tough-minded but compassionate approach makes him the best choice.

Measures

A--NO: 1/2 Cent Sales Tax for Prisons

Would raise the county sales tax 1/2 cent in Los Angeles County for construction of county jails and juvenile facilities. Well-intentioned, but the solution it proposes (mainly a program of jail construction), the method it would use to finance it (an increase in the sales tax) and the huge discretion it gives to the appointed controlling agency is worrisome.

B--YES: Park Bonds

This largest bond issue in county history would boost property taxes $10 a year on average for the next 20 years to raise $816 million for more than 75 recreational and cultural projects. Without these improvements, quality of life will decline. Must pass by two-thirds.

C--YES: 1/2 Cent Sales Tax for Transit

For new mass transit projects--and to replace federal funds that once could be relied on to pay for major transportation projects. Will help get this county moving again.

CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Measures

J--YES: Bonds for Police Communications/911 Improvements

Special property tax to finance a $235-million bond issue to improve the city’s severely overburdened 911 network. For the cost to the average homeowner of $14 a year over the 20-year life of the tax, a worthy investment. Must pass by two-thirds.

K--YES: Bonds to Preserve Affordable Housing, Loans to Low-Income, First-Time Home Buyers and Homeless Shelters.

$100 million to preserve affordable housing by providing low-interest loans to nonprofit developers to finance the purchase and reinforcement of seismically unsafe apartment buildings; would also fund homeless shelters and help first-time home buyers. Must pass by two-thirds.

L--YES: Anti-Apartheid Contracting Policy

Los Angeles now bars some city contracts with firms that do business in South Africa. This would amend the charter to expand the ban on contracts with firms that do business with South Africa. Send a message.

M--YES: Civilian Pension Benefits

A pension simplification measure. New federal and state laws make the city’s current technical requirements moot. Sensible.

N--YES: City Election Recount Procedures

Would change the law so that the results of a general election can be challenged via a procedure that obviates the need to file a lawsuit. Sensible.

ORANGE COUNTY

State Assembly

72nd District: Tom Umberg (D)

Vigorous challenger to incumbent Assemblyman Curt Pringle, Umberg, a federal prosecutor, should offer spirited leadership in a district that needs it.

County Offices

2nd District Supervisor: Harriett Wieder

An adequate incumbent legislator who has a weak challenger.

Schools Superintendent: John Dean

Brings drive, imagination and experience.

District Attorney: Mike Capizzi

Appointed incumbent who has the necessary administrative experience.

County Measures

M--YES: 1/2 Cent Sales Tax for Transportation

Failure to pass Measure M in Orange County would boomerang on the voters, dooming them to endure an inadequate transportation system that could be vastly improved with passage. More than $400 million in matching funds awaits the county by the turn of the century if it will approve the 1/2 cent sales tax measure. Go for it.

City Measures

C--YES: Lease of Huntington Beach Land

A-preserve-the-shoreline measure.

D--NO: Sale of Huntington Beach Land

Deceptive countermeasure to C; could jeopardize public beach access.

E--NO: Irvine--Repeal of Direct Election of Mayor

Irvine needs a mayor accountable to the voters.

H--YES: Laguna Canyon Bonds

$20-million issue for preserving a beautiful canyon.

L--YES: City of Orange--Fireworks Ban

Fireworks of any kind are dangerous; the ban on them should include all cities.

W--NO: Costa Mesa--Permits Fireworks Sale and Use

Advisory measure; send a message to the City Council to ban all fireworks.

Z--YES: Fullerton--Bans Fireworks Sale and Use

Most county cities now ban all fireworks; Fullerton should, too.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

State Assembly

75th District: Deirdre Alpert (D)

While she has only limited experience, Alpert is energetic and a quick study. Promising alternative to the incumbent who has been criticized for questionable financial behavior.

County Offices

Sheriff: Jim Roache

Career Sheriff’s Department employee promises reform of an agency badly in need of it.

San Diego Unified School District, District B: Sue Braun

Braun has broader and more sophisticated knowledge about the district than does her opponent.

San Diego Unified School District, District C:

Scott Harvey

Clear differences in this race on key issues; Harvey supports school integration, curriculum reform, and school-based health clinics.

San Diego Community College District A:

Maria Senour

A professor at San Diego State University, Senour understands the community colleges’ role as a bridge to a better life for the disadvantaged.

San Diego Community College District C:

Yvonne Larsen

Larsen has served as city school board president, trustee of California State University and vice chairman of the National Commission on Excellence in Education, which wrote the path-breaking study “A Nation at Risk.”

San Diego Community College District E:

Denise Moreno Ducheny

Activist attorney shows the kind of fire needed on a board undergoing a complete revamping.

Propositions

A--YES: Citizens Review Board for Law Enforcement (County)

County needs an independent body to investigate complaints of misconduct by law-enforcement officers.

B--YES: Creation of a Department of Corrections (County)

Passage would authorize county supervisors to remove jails from Sheriff’s control and create a separate Corrections Department.

C--YES: Pound Animal Research (County)

Public should support continued provision of pound animals for research. Measure is advisory only.

D--NO: Growth Management (County)

Builder-sponsored initiative exempts much development from controls and caps fees for road construction at an inadequate level. Deceptive.

E--YES: Open Space Bond (SD City)

$100 million bond for purchase of open space and parkland is crucial to preserving city’s character.

M--NO: Growth Management (SD City)

Identical measure to Proposition D.

N--YES: Library System Upgrade (SD City)

Advisory measure recommends that the city develop a master plan and financing for library system.

VENTURA COUNTY Measures

A--YES: 1/2 Cent Sales Tax for Transportation.

Would raise $500 million over 20 years to improve freeways, state highways and major streets within the county and for public transit projects. Much needed.

B--YES: Moorpark Schools Bond Issue

$25.5 million for classrooms and other facilities.

C--NO: Moorpark Ambulance Service Special Tax

Good cause, questionable deal.

D--YES: Fillmore-Piru Memorial District Tax

Support this community service.

E/F--YES: Santa Paula Library Tax

Libraries relief act.